Monday, December 19, 2016
review: In Flames
The 2016 album Battles shows that with In Flames the sky's the limit. No dream is too big, no project too difficult. They will take on anything and everything with a winning mentality. They do what they want. They play shows around the world and the people always show up because they like what the band does. They have gone from success to success and bigger success all over the world. Every time a new album comes out, their followers support the band. From the live footage in Europe that you can see, there's no shortage of hipsters and indie rockers that love, love the band. There's just something about those emo, whiny, irritating vocals that really touch the souls of the hipsters. Their followers really feel that strained, crying-man style of vocals. In addition, the people really love the pop melodies. The band takes the best of core, alternative rock, pop punk, punk, post-punk, pop music in general and European disco beats that go boom, boom, boom and In Flames brings it all together for their special audiences and gives them what they want. Simple, chuggy two-chord beats with emo vocals about how life is hard for hipsters and how as a hipster you have to stand against the intolerant world that does not understand how deep you feel the feelings that you feel because you are a profound individual and no one's life is hard as yours and you feel everything so deep, so deep.
American hipsters vehemently support In Flames.
Canadian hipsters vehemently support In Flames.
review by MMB
review: Dark Messiah
Seattle & Washington concert calendar, updated December 19, 2016
If you have information about shows/updates/cancellations, please get in contact with Metal Bulletin Zine.
December 20 Wilt, Void Omnia, Isenordal, Huldrekall at Highline, Seattle, WA
December 21 Void Omnia, Addaura at Obsidian, Olympia, WA
December 22 Black Bone Exorcism, Thou Shall Kill at Substation, Seattle, WA
December 29 Born Without Blood, I am The Vision, Kömmand at Substation, Seattle, WA
December 30 Generation Decline, Oxygen Destroyer, Darkmysticwoods, Truth Decay at The Charleston, Bremerton, WA
December 31 3pm Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Key Arena, Seattle, WA
December 31 9pm Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Key Arena, Seattle, WA
January 2 Genocide Pact, Acid Feast, Hideous Creep, Cujo at Highline, Seattle, WA
January 5 Hissing, Bone Sickness, Infernal Coil at Obsidian, Olympia, WA
January 6 Dilapidation (cd release show), Thou Shall Kill, Noceur, Smokers, Cough, Narrow Minded at Funhouse, Seattle, WA
January 7 Thou Shall Kill, A Flourishing Scourge, Aethereus at Tony V's, Everett, WA
January 10 Ascended Dead, Grave Ritual, Hexenslaught, Fetid at Highline, Seattle, WA
January 13 The Drip, others at The Observatory, Spokane, WA
January 18 Udo Dirkschneider "Back To The Roots - Farewell To Accept" at El Corazón, Seattle, WA
January 14 Visceral Embodiment, Fools Among Thieves, Antitheus, Vesuvian at Lucky Liquor, Tuwkila, WA
January 18 Ash Borer at Obsidian, Olympia, WA
January 19 Ash Borer, Bell Witch, Hissing at Highline, Seattle, WA
January 21 Entombed AD, Full of Hell, Turbid North, Deathraid at Highline, Seattle, WA
January 23 Thou Shall Kill, Dilapidation, Pill Brigade at Substation, Seattle, WA
January 23 Vultra at The Pin, Spokane, WA
January 27 Queensryche at Snoqualmie Casino, Snoqualmie, WA
January 27 Drawn and Quartered, Sakrificer, Raptor, Oxygen Destroyer at Highline, Seattle, WA
January 28 Blue Öyster Cult at Historic Everett Theatre, Everett, WA
Feb 1 Inquisition, Rutah, Serpentspire, Skinwalker at The Pin, Spokane, WA
February 2 Mayhem, Inquisition, Black Anvil at El Corazón, Seattle, WA
February 4 Lordi at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
February 10 Revenge, Weregoat, Drawn and Quartered, Bloody Master at Highline, Seattle, WA
February 10 Zero Down, others at Funhouse, Seattle, WA
February 12 Flotsam & Jetsam, Vicious Rumors, Hatchet, Antarez at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
February 20 Marduk, Incantation, Svart Crown at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
February 22 Nile, Overkill, Kill Closet at El Corazón, Seattle, WA
February 26 Uli Jon Roth, Zero Down, Children of Seraph at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
March 1 Max and Igor Cavalera "Return to Roots Tour," Immolation, Full of Hell at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
March 5 Devil Driver, Death Angel, The Agonist, Azreal, Ashes of Existence at Studio Seven, WA
March 6 Darkest Hour, Ringworm, Tombs, Rivers of Nihil, Blood and Thunder at Studio Seven, WA
March 11 Archgoat, Valkyrja, Hellfire, Deathcult at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
March 28 Kreator, Obituary, Midnight, Horrendous at Neptune, Seattle, WA
March 29 Nails, Toxic Holocaust, Gatecreeper at Neumos, Seattle, WA
March 30 Despised Icon, Carnifex, Fallujah, Rings of Saturn, Lorna Shore at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
April 4 Amorphis, Swallow the Sun at El Corazón, Seattle, WA
April 25 Anthrax, Killswitch Engage at Showbox SoDo, Seattle, WA
April 28 D.R.I. at El Corazón, Seattle, WA
April 29 Asphyx, Extremity at Highline, Seattle, WA
May 6 HammerFall, Delain at El Corazón, Seattle, WA
May 8 Sabaton, Battle Beast, others at El Corazón, Seattle, WA
May 11 Testament, Sepultura, Prong at Showbox Market, Seattle, WA
May 18 Y & T at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
May 20 Evergrey, Seven Kingdoms, Ascendia, Need at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
May 26 Candlemass at Modified Ghost Festival II, Vancover, B.C., Canada
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Sunday, December 18, 2016
Matt Spall Album of the Year 2016 – Number 16
Matt Spall has been doing a countdown of his favorite albums of rock and metal. Here is an example of the albums he's chosen so far.
Number 16
Fates Warning
Theories Of Flight
InsideOut Music
“…in 2016, we are presented with studio album number twelve entitled ‘Theories Of Flight’ and boy, oh boy, have they finally and unequivocally delivered the record that I have wanted them to deliver for so long. ‘Theories Of Flight’ literally has just about everything that the ardent progressive metal fan could possibly want. And the result is rather spectacular, as you might imagine.
Fates Warning sound like a band rejuvenated. The music comes across to me at least, as sounding hungry, vital and passionate, like the guys have well and truly rediscovered their mojo. Some might argue that Fates Warning never really ever lost it, but the vibe just feels different on ‘Theories Of Flight’, permeating the entire disc from beginning to end in such a positive way.
In this kind of form, Fates Warning are thoroughly irresistible and with ‘Theories Of Flight’ they remind us all, if a reminder was necessary, that they are rightfully considered to be one of the most important and best progressive metal bands on the planet.”
manofmuchmetal.wordpress.com
twitter.com/ManOfMuchMetal?lang=en
Matt Spall's Album of the Year 2016 – Number 18
Matt Spall has been doing a countdown of his favorite albums of rock and metal. Here is an example of the albums he's chosen so far.
Number 18
Redemption
The Art of Loss
Metal Blade Records
“…this eye-watering group of musicians have come together to create what I’d playfully refer to as a ‘delicious racket’ or more seriously, a masterful album of highly-charged, emotional, technical and melodic progressive metal.
Redemption have always been known for creating genuinely heavy and fast-paced compositions, full of dextrous instrumentalism from all corners of the band not to mention a flair for the dramatic, melodic and overtly emotional. This theme continues of ‘The Art Of Loss’ but there’s an ‘x’ factor, a certain something that really speaks to me on this album in particular.
Quite simply, it is a magnificent body of work that plays to all of the plentiful strengths of the band. This is all-out progressive metal that combines technicality and superb musicianship with genuine heaviness and all the sumptuous melodies and hooks that you could possibly wish for.”
I’ve always had a soft spot for Redemption. Given what the band has gone through, it is amazing that they are still going. Lesser bands would have thrown in the towel but not Redemption; instead, they have delivered quite possibly the best album of their career. It certainly pushes the immaculate ‘Snowfall On Judgement Day’ all the way.
I’m a huge fan of guitar solos and the kind of excesses that can often be frowned upon by other sectors of the rock and metal genre. I never understand why they get so snippy about it because as far as I’m concerned, lead guitar breaks and over-the-top musicianship have always played a part in heavy metal. And I love the fact that Redemption indulge in all this. But more than that, they deliver it in a thoroughly enjoyable and commanding way.
This album contains some sumptuous melodies too that stick in the mind and help to create some memorable compositions. And the whole thing is topped off by arguably Redemption’s best production for some time, having been their Achilles heel in the recent past. If you’re a fan of progressive metal, this band need to be in your collection without any shadow of doubt.
manofmuchmetal.wordpress.com
twitter.com/ManOfMuchMetal?lang=en
Saturday, December 17, 2016
review: Witchmaster/Voidhanger
Witchmaster/Voidhanger
Razing the Shrines of Optimism
Third Eye temple
release: 20 January 2017
Warning: Politically correct people must stay away.
Listen to the first song from this release at the second link below.
This split is one for the diehard fanatics/collectors into these two filthy extreme metal bands from Poland. Witchmaster is known for its black thrash filled with the twisted views of people possessed with disturbed ideas about the world around them. The band is known for blasting speeds and intensity. Even though speed is generally fundamental to the sound, the thrashy riffs make the music easy for headbanging. They rant against so many things, it's more of a question of what can you mention that they don't already hate. Sick and furious are the operative words with them. The last Witchmaster album is from 2014 and if their loyal supporters are looking for something to hold them over until the next studio album, this will help.
It's hard to say if Voidhanger's hatred of the inhabitants of planet Earth is bigger than Witchmaster's, but both bands are just downright nihilistic criminal gangs and they share a whole gamut of negative views about life and humans. One thing is for sure, both bands will offend politically correct people. One of the members of the band calls himself Zyklon and that right there will make the uptight liberals all angry and if that wasn't enough, another member calls himself Warcrimer. This is music for those with spirits of total ugliness. The last Voidhanger album is from 2013. This EP will help to tide over the band's insatiable, must-have-it-all followers until the band releases another full-length album.
In short, this is misanthropy in the form of extreme metal.
[review by MMB]
OFFICIAL: Third Eye Temple are pleased to announce that they will release Razing the Shrines of Optimism, the new split album from Witchmaster and Voidhanger this winter. The album will be released on January 20th 2017. Witchmaster is back with a vengeance, punishing audiences worldwide with another blitz of their continuing Satanic Metal Attack on humanity. Their new song, Permafrost, obliterates anything that could possibly stand in their way. After this first onslaught, the band also provides two more attacks - a cover of Einstürzende Neubauten's "Tanz Debil" and a few killer classics recorded live one night in Lisbon.
Meanwhile, blackened thrash/death powerhouse Voidhanger contribute 3 new tracks. Voidhanger’s part of the split consists of some of their most ruthless material yet, with crushing riffs and hateful vocals. Imagine Celtic Frost’s groove combined with Sarcofago’s razor-sharp riffing with the savagery of Nails and you’ll have but an idea of Voidhanger’s newest effort.
Razing the Shrines of Optimism is:
Witchmaster (lineup: Bastis/Inferno/Reyash/Kali)
1.Permafrost
2.Tanz Debil (Einstürzende Neubauten Cover)
3.Tormentor Infernal (Live)
4.Morbid Death (Live)
5.Satanic Metal Attack (Live)
Voidhanger (lineup: Zyklon/Warcrimer/Priest)
1.Burnout Hearts Exhibition
2.Dyskretny Urok Upadku
3.Through The Holocaust of Optimism
thirdeyetemple.com/shop/en/main/518-witchmaster-voidhanger-razing-the-shrines-of-optimism-lp.html
soundcloud.com/thirdeyetemple
facebook.com/thirdeyetemple
NEWS: The Drip (Washington state grind) new album soon
The Drip's brand new recording will be the debut album The Haunting Fear of Inevitability, which follows up on some three EPs from before. The new album is planned for January 13th, 2017 on Relapse Records. If you would like to hear the new music, on Bandcamp there are now a couple of songs for listening.
OFFICIAL: Washington State quintet THE DRIP announces their debut full-length of merciless, grindcore ferocity, titled The Haunting Fear of Inevitability. Fusing together the rawest elements of crust, powerviolence, d-beat, and grind, THE DRIP rips and ravages through thirteen frenzied tracks, full of slaughterhouse riffage, lightning fast blastbeats, and pulverizing breakdowns. Produced by Joel Grind of Toxic Holocaust and mastered by Brad Boatright (Skeletonwitch, Gatecreeper, Weekend Nachos), The Haunting Fear of Inevitability is a new declaration of intensity that is sure to set the underground ablaze.
The band commented on the impending release, “The Haunting Fear of Inevitability represents our progression, and continues to blur genre lines, and define our sound. Laying down the ground work for our future material to come.” Formed in 2007, Washington State’s audio-terrorists THE DRIP set out to transform the legacy of Napalm Death, Terrorizer, Rotten Sound, and Brutal Truth into a modern and uncompromising grind assault of face-ripping blasts and sonic brutality. Seizing the attention of grind-advocates Grindcore Karaoke, their self-titled debut EP and The Wasteland EP soon established their reputation as the Northwest’s fastest hate-mongers. A series of high-octane live assaults only furthered their infamy among grindfreaks and led to their signing with legendary extreme metal label Relapse Records. 2014 saw the release of A Presentation of Gruesome Poetics, their debut EP for Relapse. A vicious display of skull-crushing, barbaric grind, the album was produced and engineered by Joel Grind of Toxic Holocaust.
Since their signing to Relapse, THE DRIP has continued to tour and play with established acts like Pig Destroyer, Napalm Death, Poison Idea, Magrudergrind, Black Breath, Agoraphobic Nosebleed, and Power Trip, in addition to appearing on numerous festivals including Denver Black Sky, Crucial Fest, and Southwest Terror Fest. 2017 will mark ten years since THE DRIP's first collective grind and with it comes the release of their long-awaited debut LP, The Haunting Fear of Inevitability. THE DRIP: Shane Brown - drums; Brandon Caldwell - vocals; Bobby Mansfield - guitar; Talon Yager - bass; Blake Wolf – guitar.
thedrip.bandcamp.com
facebook.com/thedripgrind
twitter.com/thedripofficial
Friday, December 16, 2016
review: Arduini / Balich
Arduini / Balich
Dawn of Ages
Cruz Del Sur Music
release: 24 February 2017
Many dedicated supporters who follow the current state of traditional doom most likely already know very well that Argus (Pennsylvania, U.S.) has been for quite some time now climbing the ladder in terms of reputation as a serious band. Many of those amongst that audience might recognize the name Balich immediately. Balich is the Argus singer Butch Balich who also does vocals for this project began by Victor Arduini, whose name longtime Fates Warning listeners know from the early days of the band.
Arduini/Balich is big-riff, big-melody, big-voice epic doom metal. Don't be fooled by the word project. It is true that many side projects sound like second-rate leftovers from musicians' main bands. That's not the situation here at all. It's very serious and very good. Contrary to some present trends in doom, this is not a slow/super slow recording. It is not one of those doom works that rejects guitar riffs, guitar solos, real singing and traditional songs. What a breath of fresh air it is to hear big-time, big-league traditional doom. Arduini and Balich are both pros and this recording brings everything to the table. This is a great example of how doom is heavy metal, real heavy metal. I, for one, don't like a whole lot of doom because so much of it sounds like some people cannot come up with any good riffs and they don't have the skills to write a song, so they pluck away at a low string over and over in a slow way because that is supposedly what doom is. Arduini and Balich completely disagree. You have to learn to play your guitar for real and you have to have the riffs. There's no getting around that. All the space rock samples, sound feedback and simplistic sludge grooves is not going to cut it.
Listen to this album and hear how the veterans do it. You can bang your head to these song; maybe not all the time, but there’s rocking going on. Sure, there are slower moments, there's plenty of heaviness, but it's not all slow, all the time. There are excellent melodies here. You can sing along, too; Balich has a strong voice and it is the real thing. It is a pleasure to listen to him sing. As for Arduini, well, who would have thought that a guitarist known and respected for his classic prog works would bust out with something this awesome, heavy and rocking like this?
A wonderful triumph.
Note that this album will not be available for a little while and this publication is not able to give you any links to the music yet, but put this album on your list of titles that are of high quality coming out in early 2017 and be sure to keep the list handy. If you, like I, believe that doom is and should be heavy metal, real heavy metal, then I cannot imagine that this work will not interest you.
In addition, read this official information that can be helpful in making an informed decision about this album.
[review by MMB]
track list:
01 The Fallen
02 Forever
03 Into Exile
04 The Wraith
05 Beyond the Barricade
06 The Gates of Acheron
07 Sunrise (Uriah Heep cover)
08 Wolf of Velvet Fortune
09 After All (The Dead) (Black Sabbath cover)
OFFICIAL:
"Doom Laden Progressive Wall Of Metal!"
Sounds like the perfect definition of ARDUINI/BALICH's debut album "Dawn of Ages" which will be released on Cruz Del Sur Music on Feb. 24, 2017.
ARDUINI/BALICH is the result of two very powerful figures in their own right of the metal scene. VICTOR ARDUINI needs no introduction being one of the founding members of FATES WARNING, same can be said for BRIAN "BUTCH" BALICH, the mighty voice of ARGUS.
The story goes back in time to the end of 2013 when Arduini put a final word to his experience with FREEDOMS REIGN. Victor needed more freedom to express his creativity, feeling his ideas weren't much fitting into the style of FR anymore.
"At that time I was at a creative peak. It seemed like I wrote new riffs every day which seemed heavier and darker than anything I've done before," commented Victor Arduini. "They were becoming more intricate and challenging which fueled my passion to see how far I could take them. I was really close to the whole process and soon realized it had to be a project where I could have complete artistic control and produce an album that represented who I am as an artist, guitarist and musician."
In search of musicians who could get along with this challenge, Victor recruited Freedoms Reign's drummer Chris Judge and was on the lookout for a singer when his path crossed with Butch who had recently shared stages with him.
"I truly feel Brian's vocals are some of the best he's ever done. It's like when Dio went from Rainbow to Sabbath," Arduini stated. "Same voice but new music around it inspired new melodies and gave a different presentation. While it took longer than both of us expected for many reasons we reached the finish line and are both very proud of the music and our collaboration together. It is truly a joint collaboration and we hope our fans will enjoy what they hear."
"Dawn Of Ages" is one of the most ambitious records ever released on Cruz Del Sur Music. A monumental piece of music on the level of WHILE HEAVEN WEPT or ATLANTEAN KODEX's releases (to name two Cruz Del Sur recording artists). A rollercoaster of emotions, an album that captures the collisions of two worlds, progressive and doom. The final result is a really amazing journey inside human soul. Through six original compositions that last for more than an hour, the audience will be captured and hypnotized by the eclectically familiar Victor's guitar melodies empowered by Butch's passionate interpretation. Indeed "Dawn of Ages" is an album that could have been easily recorded in the mid/late 70s for the total dedication that transpires through each and every note of it. It is not an album that wants to please any old or new trend in metal, rather an intimate expression of two musicians who have always put their passion for heavy music before anything else.
"Dawn Of Ages" will be released in a deluxe 6-panel digipack embellished by a wonderful, original Michael Cowell's (Alunah) artwork. The vinyl version will be released in a gatefold colored vinyl double LP with three incredible cover songs as a bonus. URIAH HEEP's "Sunrise", BEAU BRUMMELS' "Wolf Of Velvet Fortune" and BLACK SABBATH's "After All (The Dead)."
facebook.com/arduinibalich
cruzdelsurmusic.com
cruzdelsurmusic.bandcamp.com/
facebook.com/cruzdelsurmusic
Twitter.com/CruzDelSurMusic
Arduini/Balich - Dawn Of Ages Promo Video
review: Uprising
Uprising
Uprising
Tridroid Records
release: 6 January 2017
I don't like to say it about this music, but, for me, the sound quality ruins this album. It is a shame because there are good ideas on here; ideas that I like a lot. It's black metal, mostly on the fast/uptempo side, with melodies, including some big melodies that are great. The vocals sound good, too. However, my ears cannot take it. I just cannot tolerate it. There is a certain buzzing sound quality to it and it sounds like a strong demo, the kind that you then work on making a bit clearer, stronger, so that it hits harder. I can tell you that this recording does not sound great when you listen to it in your car or when you listen on your headphones riding the bus. You have to turn up the volume big time and hope that you can totally drown out the sound of the road. Even then, it's just hard to hear. Also, I assume that the drumming is programmed because it sounds like plastic. I find that this does not help the sound quality. It is a good thing to be stubborn about making your music, otherwise you would never get it done, but sometimes it is good to recognize when it is time to go back to the drawing board and reconsider certain elements and improve. Improve.
facebook.com/TridroidRecords/
[review by MMB]
review: Terrifier
Terrifier
Weapons of Thrash Destruction
Test Your Metal
release: 20 January 2017
"I'm sick and tired of people saying that we put out 11 albums that sound exactly the same. In fact, we've put out 12 albums that sound exactly the same."--Angus Young, 2000.
Oh, I can hear the complaining now. "Terrifier is a good thrash band, but the new album is eight songs that sound exactly the same." Well, look it, you should have stopped at the part, "Terrifier is a good thrash band," and leave it at that. That's all that they care about, really. They are fast, loud and they figure out how to make a lot of noise. A lot. Mucho. Terrifier makes all the songs fast thrash and if someone accuses them of writing the same song, what will they say? "Thank you!" What else could they say? This is what they do and this is what they are. I mean, c'mon, just look at the title of the album. You see?
Terrifier is not very good at multitasking, but they are compulsive about the one task that they have set for themselves: thrash. Their album is for thrash fanatics, not for people who like "some thrash, here and there." Terrifier plays super tight, thrash with blasting in some places, crazy street yelling, and shredding solos. That's what they do on the first song and it's what they do on the next song, and the one after that. All day, every day. They don't have songs with accordions and flutes and they don't have keyboards and they don't think it's funny to dress up and wear exotic skirts. It's denim and leather, and that's it.
They drink beer, they burp in public, curse like sailors and they dropped out of high school. They can't read or write very well, but oh boy, they can thrash like a bat out of hell. They get arrested a lot, get fired from their day jobs a lot, but it doesn't matter because it's not their life mission to be the employee of the month. The objective is clear: play fast thrash, show the world that they can play fast and can shred like nobody's business (They even have a non-song track called "Riders of Doom" and it's a quick little ditty of guitar melody and shredding, just for fun and giggles). Once you listen, there won't be an argument from you. They will convince you, and if they do not, it's probably because you are not an ultra devoted zealot for thrash. It's not a crime to dislike thrash (wait, it's not?!), but cynics, skeptics and pessimists better get out of the way of this Canadian shredding alley machine.
The guitar tone is the quintessential, classic-style razor-sharp sound, and speed is not a big game in town, it is the only game in town. Approach this music like you would approach a mosh pit. This is what thrash is. Their name is Terrifier and they play thrash like giants, walking with their heads held high, strutting their stuff.
You gotta strut like you own the place.
facebook.com/TerrifierThrashers
TERRIFIER - REANIMATOR
[review by MMB]
Thursday, December 15, 2016
Metal Bulletin Zine number 110
METAL BULLETIN #110
Zarpa (Spain) Dead Conspiracy (U.S.)
Fornicus (U.S.) Hammer King (Germany)
WA state: Voidthrone, Nox Velum, Children of Seraph, Substratum, Verminlord
The Outcast metal webzine
remembering Znöwhite/Cyclone Temple
fuglymaniacs.com
review: Primordial
Primordial
Gods to the Godless (Live at Bang Your Head Festival Germany 2015)
Metal Blade Records
Release: 25 November 2016
I'm no expert on Primordial and I do not pretend to know their highly-acclaimed music very well. I used to like the band, but I lost interest with 2005's The Gathering Wilderness and the subsequent albums. I still have The Gathering Wilderness, but I don't hear the masterpiece that so many others hear. The sound quality is good, but I just do not like the midtempo and it bores me.
I was not too excited about this live album, but I was interested for one reason alone. I wanted to hear if a live set sounds as boring as their latter-day albums. This is Primordial live, so this should be a good representation of their current mindset. What I wanted to hear was whether they could manage to sound interesting to me with this selection of songs.
After listening to this album a whole bunch of times, this is my verdict. Even though they don't want to rock in a real way, and even though they are so stubborn in their midtempo ways, the album manages to keep my interest because they have a great presence to them; they choose to avoid monotony and avoided playing slow all the time. In addition, the drumming is a highlight because it has a good energy and the drummer is really working with what he has been given. Maybe he is also trying to keep it interesting to himself; the band sounds good and professional.
This live album will not make me listen to their post-2005 studio albums because I do not trust this band. I cannot believe that nobody in the band says to himself or to the others, "Say, fellows, don't you think we ought to pick up the pace here a bit. I mean, we are a metal band. Let's not turn in a folk rock band, eh?! We used to know how to rock out a bit more, didn’t we, when we had the black metal elements?”
However, this album still leaves me with a good feeling and a good impression. I will keep the album. I won't delete it. It is a nice view into a band that changed a whole lot from the early days. Undoubtedly, they are very good at what they do and this album is proof of that. A crazy idea occurred to me just now: maybe I should check out their next studio album and see if I understand a bit more. Maybe.
primordialofficial.bandcamp.com
facebook.com/primordialofficial
[review by MMB}
review: Perpetual Demise
Perpetual Demise (Holland)
Arctic
Vic Records
release: 25 November 2016
This is a reissue of the 1996 album by the Dutch melodic extreme metal band, now defunct. I have never heard of this band before and had no idea what to expect. Somehow, from the first listen I thought that there was something interesting going on. The guitar tone? Maybe the vocals? Could it be the feel of melancholy? Was it the melodies? Whatever it was, I decided to listen for real. I have been pleasantly surprised with how good the quality of the music is. The album has a nice, catchy guitar tone and a rather overall clear production, and you can hear the bass guitar in the songs. Basically, on this score, the album is very friendly to the ear. It's not too noisy or busy, and the vocals are not all over the place, not trying to be the only thing that you can hear.
Perpetual Demise gets by on the strength of the songs. They have that special it that people looking for songs will like. Whether it is the melodic guitar passages, the choruses, and the ability to keep the songs focused, the songs stay around after they stop. Perpetual Demise sounds like a young band making young music, a young mix of extreme metal and melody/prog. Back at that time a band like Perpetual Demise was taking all the metal music forms that came before it and was incorporating bits and pieces of everything and getting creative. It sounded somewhat familiar and a bit new, too. Listening to this music today, I am very impressed with how well it stands up and how fresh it sounds. This album is an oldie now, but it is also a goodie. Get in touch with Vic Records below and ask them to let you hear the music. I’m having problems finding a link at Vic Records.
[review by MMB]
OFFICIAL: Dutch death metal band Perpetual Demise was founded back in 1989. In the early nineties the band recorded three demo's which received very positive reviews from national and international press. Thanks to these demo's the band got the opportunity to perform with well-known bands like Gorefest and The Gathering . One of the highlights in the career of Perpetual Demise was their performance on the campsite of the famous Dutch open air festival ‘Pinkpop’ in May 1994.
Their debut CD named "Arctic" was released by cult Dutch label DSFA Records (Gorefest, Orphanage, Within Temptation) in 1996. The album was produced by Roel Toering who is famous for his work with Dutch bands like Vandenberg, The Trockener Kecks and Vitesse. This re-release contains 17 track in total (including 6 bonus tracks from their demos) and is completely remastered. Coverart by Roberto Toderico (Sinister, Soulburn, Asphyx) and new booklet design with liner notes and many rare old pictures.
facebook.com/Vic-Records-321130546025/
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
Eden Weint Im Grab veröffentlichen Konzeptalbum „Na(c)htodreise“ Ende März 2017
Eden Weint Im Grab release new concept album “Na(c)htodreise” by the end of March 2017
PERSONA - Forgotten (Official Video) [HD]
The symphonic metal band Persona (Tunisia) has a new video that you can watch below. Persona's 2016 album is called Elusive Reflections and you can hear the complete album at the Bandcamp link below.
Biography: PERSONA is a female-fronted alternative metal band from Tunisia. Their style fuses modern metal sound with elements of rock, thrash and heavy riffs with synth effects and classical orchestration, creating the perfect foundation for intense and captivating vocal lines.
Being considered one of the most accomplished and influential bands on the Tunisian metal scene, PERSONA are now ready to move on to the international level. They made their first appearance with music video for the single “Blinded”, which was voted Best Metal Video for 2015 in African Rock Music Awards contest on AudioInferno.com. Their debut album “Elusive Reflections” was released on February 12th 2016, so get ready to be taken on a journey full of different identities, various and conflicting states of mind, and diverse emotions. This brand new release is already getting outstanding reviews from webzines all over the world: “…Rare is the band that can come out of the gate so confidently displaying such diversity in the genre... With such a strong debut, it’s hard not to think about the potential of the band moving forward” (Dead Rhetoric, USA); “…Music of strength, conviction and power… To this very moment, Elusive Reflections stands as the best female fronted metal album of 2016” (Sorrow Eternal, USA); “A stunning debut from this North African band and certainly an album worth checking out” (Ravenheart Music, UK); “Catchy, listenable and very melodious album” (Metal Revolution, Denmark).
Formed in 2012 by lead guitarist Melik Melek Khelifa and singer/pianist Jelena Dobric, the band went through many different phases and musical genres, exploring and looking for a distinctive way of expression. After several changes, Yosri Ouada became their permanent rhythm guitarist, Youssef Aouadi took place on drums, Walid Bessadok joined on keyboard and Nesrine Mahbouli on bass. Each member brought an individual musical personality into the band, making its style unique and appealing to the broadest audience.
Very soon after getting together, the band started being active on stage and regularly participating in local metal concerts and events. They won the “Metal Asylum Battle” contest held in Tunis in august 2013, when they performed live on stage with the guest star Ron Bumblefoot Thal (BUMBLEFOOT, Guns’N’Roses, Art of Anarchy).
OFFICIAL: Aaand the official music video for "Forgotten" is here! It was filmed in 2015 before and during our performance in Beaux arts tunis - ISBAT, by our friend Seth Cartagena - Seth photography (who also did the editing) and Marwen Faidi from Sparta Productions. Since it's holiday time, this video comes with some presents from us: if you share our video publicly and tag Persona, you can get a free copy of our CD "Elusive Reflections"! We have 5 CDs to give away, so we'll randomly pick the winners during the following weeks and publish the names on Dec 31st! Enjoy "Forgotten"! \m/
PERSONA - Forgotten (Official Video) [HD]
personaband.bandcamp.com/releases
facebook.com/personaband/timeline
twitter.com/persona_band
BATTLE BEAST ANNOUNCE A HEADLINING EUROPEAN TOUR FOR MARCH / APRIL 2017
Seattle & Washington concert calendar, updated December 14, 2016
"Another town another place,
Another girl, another face,
Another truck, another race,
I'm eating junk, feeling bad"
If you have information about shows/updates/cancellations, please get in contact with Metal Bulletin Zine.
December 15 Abigail Williams, The Devils Of Loudun, A God or an Other, East Sherman at Highline, Seattle, WA
December 16 Vesuvian at Funhouse, Seattle, WA
December 17 Devastation in December 5th Annual: Dilapidation, others at The Charleston, Bremerton, WA
December 17 Abigail Williams at Obsidian, Olympia, WA
December 18 Thou Shall Kill, Anthrocene, Born Without Blood, others at El Corazón, Seattle, WA
December 19 Yob, others at Neumo's, Seattle, WA
December 20 Wilt, Void Omnia, Addaura, Isenordal, Huldrekall at Highline, Seattle, WA
December 21 Void Omnia at Obsidian, Olympia, WA
December 22 Black Bone Exorcism, Thou Shall Kill at Substation, Seattle, WA
December 30 Generation Decline, Oxygen Destroyer, Darkmysticwoods, Truth Decay at The Charleston, Bremerton, WA
December 31 3pm Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Key Arena, Seattle, WA
December 31 9pm Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Key Arena, Seattle, WA
January 2 Genocide Pact, Acid Feast, Hideous Creep, Cujo at Highline, Seattle, WA
January 5 Hissing, Bone Sickness, Infernal Coil at Obsidian, Olympia, WA
January 6 Dilapidation (cd release show), Thou Shall Kill, Noceur, Smokers, Cough, Narrow Minded at Funhouse, Seattle, WA
January 7 Thou Shall Kill, A Flourishing Scourge, Aethereus at Tony V's, Everett, WA
January 10 Ascended Dead, Grave Ritual, Hexenslaught, Fetid at Highline, Seattle, WA
January 13 The Drip, others at The Observatory, Spokane, WA
January 18 Udo Dirkschneider "Back To The Roots - Farewell To Accept" at El Corazón, Seattle, WA
January 18 Ash Borer at Obsidian, Olympia, WA
January 19 Ash Borer, Bell Witch, Hissing at Highline, Seattle, WA
January 21 Entombed AD, Full of Hell, Turbid North, Deathraid at Highline, Seattle, WA
January 23 Thou Shall Kill, Dilapidation, Pill Brigade at Substation, Seattle, WA
January 27 Queensryche at Snoqualmie Casino, Snoqualmie, WA
January 27 Drawn and Quartered, Sakrificer, Raptor, Oxygen Destroyer at Highline, Seattle, WA
January 28 Blue Öyster Cult at Historic Everett Theatre, Everett, WA
Feb 1 Inquisition, Rutah, Serpentspire, Skinwalker at The Pin, Spokane, WA
February 2 Mayhem, Inquisition, Black Anvil at El Corazón, Seattle, WA
February 4 Lordi at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
February 10 Revenge, Weregoat, Drawn and Quartered, Bloody Master at Highline, Seattle, WA
February 10 Zero Down, others at Funhouse, Seattle, WA
February 12 Flotsam & Jetsam, Vicious Rumors, Hatchet, Antarez at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
February 20 Marduk, Incantation, Svart Crown at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
February 22 Nile, Overkill, Kill Closet at El Corazón, Seattle, WA
February 26 Uli Jon Roth, Zero Down, Children of Seraph at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
March 1 Max and Igor Cavalera "Return to Roots Tour" at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
March 5 Devil Driver, Death Angel, The Agonist, Azreal, Ashes of Existence at Studio Seven, WA
March 6 Darkest Hour, Ringworm, Tombs, Rivers of Nihil, Blood and Thunder at Studio Seven, WA
March 11 Archgoat, Valkyrja, Hellfire, Deathcult at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
March 28 Kreator, Obituary, Midnight, Horrendous at Neptune, Seattle, WA
March 29 Nails, Toxic Holocaust, Gatecreeper at Neumos, Seattle, WA
March 30 Despised Icon, Carnifex, Fallujah, Rings of Saturn, Lorna Shore at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
April 4 Amorphis, Swallow the Sun at El Corazón, Seattle, WA
April 28 D.R.I. at El Corazón, Seattle, WA
April 29 Asphyx, Extremity at Highline, Seattle, WA
May 6 HammerFall, Delain at El Corazón, Seattle, WA
May 8 Sabaton, Battle Beast, others at El Corazón, Seattle, WA
May 11 Testament, Sepultura, Prong at Shobox Market, Seattle, WA
May 18 Y & T at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
May 20 Evergrey, Seven Kingdoms, Ascendia, Need at Studio Seven, Seattle, WA
May 26 Candlemass at Modified Ghost Festival II, Vancover, B.C., Canada
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Tuesday, December 13, 2016
in Everett, Sat. Jan. 7: Thou Shall Kill // A Flourishing Scourge // Aethereus at Tony Vs
Friends in Everett, WA state:
Check out what is coming your way on January 7!
facebook.com/aflourishingscourge
NEWS: FERNDAL sign with Einheit Produktionen
OFFICIAL:
Puissance, dignity, veracity - FERNDAL sign with Einheit Produktionen
It's not happening too often that a newly founded band is able to register a record deal within months, without a tone getting abroad. FERNDAL, a German black metal band being established in April, accomplished that and signed a contract with Einheit Produktionen in November. The quintett from the westphalian Muensterland, with EIS musicians Alboin and Abarus being active members, mesmerizes with a unique sonic world: Apart from a violoncello as en equally deployed instruments besides the guitars, the band blends in influences reaching from Darkthrone to Windir, from Beethoven to Arvo Pärt and from baroque grace to romantic melancholy, within a veil of pure black metal aggression. FERNDAL will start performing live in 2017, for example on Ragnarök Festival.
The debut album "Ferndal" will be published in April 2017 on Einheit Produktionen, adorned by an artwork drawn by LUX DIVINA vocalist Norax. Gaze on a first teaser here.
FERNDAL album 2017 teaser
ferndal.de
facebook.com/ferndal.official
Nachrichten: FERNDAL unterschreiben bei Einheit Produktionen
Offiziell:
Kraft, Erhabenheit, Aufrichtigkeit - FERNDAL unterschreiben bei Einheit Produktionen
Es kommt nicht häufig vor, dass eine neu gegründete Band innerhalb weniger Monate einen Plattenvertrag verzeichnen kann, ohne dass von ihr vorher auch nur ein Ton an die Öffentlichkeit gedrungen ist. FERNDAL, eine erst im April ins Leben gerufene Black Metal-Band, hat das geschafft und im November einen Deal mit Einheit Produktionen unterschrieben. Das Quintett aus dem westfälischen Münsterland, in dem unter anderem auch die EIS-Mitglieder Alboin und Abarus aktiv sind, fasziniert durch eine einzigartige Klangwelt: Neben dem Violoncello als gleichberechtigtem Instrument neben den Gitarren verwebt die Band Einflüsse von Darkthrone bis Windir, von Beethoven bis Arvo Pärt und von barocker Anmut bis zu romantischer Melancholie in einen Schleier als purer Black Metal-Aggression. FERNDAL werden 2017 erstmals live zu erleben sein, unter anderem auf dem Ragnarök-Festival.
Das Debütalbum "Ferndal" erscheint im April 2017 bei Einheit Produktionen und wird durch ein Artwork von LUX DIVINA-Sänger Norax veredelt. Ein erster Teaser ist hier zu bestaunen.
FERNDAL album 2017 teaser
ferndal.de
facebook.com/ferndal.official
review: Al Joseph (free album during December)
Al Joseph
Out in the Open (especial edition)
This album is free throughout December.
This December of 2016 Al Joseph posted on his social media pages about this new edition of his 2013 debut album: "Out In The Open (Special Edition) is a re-cut of my debut solo record which was released in 2013. This cut features my good friends Dillon Baird on drums, Stefan Sandman on bass, Matt Weaver on violins, Santiago Vidal on keyboards, Even Basbug as well on keys and of course your truly on all guitars."
The melodic and shred guitarist Al Joseph and his friends have a pleasurable, smooth, melodic album that they want to bring to the attention of serious listeners into guitar and instrumental music. The music breathes really well and you will find that it's a different kind of feeling when you spend time listening to the sounds without vocals. Your mind won't be so cluttered with someone's voice. Some people like the phrase, "Shut up and play your guitar!" and that's exactly what this is.
Al Joseph's playing is characterized by the ability to make instrumental, shred, melodic guitar accessible by writing songs. The music finds the sweet spot between (1) a musician's desire to show off so that the world can take them seriously as someone skilled and professional-minded, and (2) the listener's hopes to hear good songs; songs that connect in some way. Thus, the album has shredding and wrist-hurting wizardry and magic; and there are lots of melodies, the kind in which the guitar sings. The tempos vary, but we can say that it's uptempo and midtempo; it's not fast all the time and the slower moments do not feel like the predominant pace of the album because there is a good sense of proportion and song sequence.
(review by MMB)
*
*
OFFICIAL: Al Joseph was born in 1987 on Highland Park, IL and was raised in Scranton, PA. His musical journey started young, playing drums from 10 years old. However, his passion for the guitar soon took over and a year or so later he laid down his sticks and started his guitar-led journey!
After earning a prestigious spot on "Jam Track Central's" artist roster in 2013, Al has proven to be one of the worlds most exciting new virtuosos to hit the scene to date. Now a proud Alumni of Berklee College Of Music, Al presses on to an already promising career as guitar player, composer, songwriter, and producer. Expect to see more exciting things over the coming years.
You can expect to hear the lyrical texture of legendary artists such as Joe Satriani, John Petrucci, Andy Timmons, and Greg Howe. As far as songwriting goes Al has a never- ending list of influences in his arsenal. From bands like Creed, Rage Against The Machine, P.O.D, to Pillar, Pantera, Sevendust, and many more. If you can dig on any of the above, then get ready to add another artist to your list.
"Out In The Open” is Al's debut solo instrumental record which was re- released through JTC Records in 2015. It's a story of emotion, new beginnings, unknowns, and all the new challenges Al has faced throughout his life. Let's not forget about an hour’s worth of world class shredding as well. If you enjoy the workings of guitar legends Joe Satriani and Andy Timmons, look no further. This record has it all wrapped up in a nice basket for you with some jazz-fusion elements as well. “Out In the Open” is a wild ride for sure!
aljosephofficial.com
facebook.com/aljosephguitar
twitter.com/aljoseph105?lang=en
Infernäl Mäjesty - House Of War (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)
Canadian thrashers Infernäl Mäjesty made a video for the song "House of War." Check it out below.
OFFICIAL: Originally going by the name Lord Satans Deciples then Overlord, Toronto thrashers Infernal Majesty formed in 1986 and featured vocalist Chris Bailey, guitarists Kenny Hallman and Steve Terror, bassist Psycopath, and drummer Rick Nemes. A four-song demo was duly recorded and circulated to specialized magazines, eventually finding its way to Roadrunner Records, which chose to sign the band and issued their None Shall Defy debut in 1987. For more info and interviews contact Chris Bailey: satanical@hotmail.com
Full Bio: In the city of Toronto, in the year 1986, Rick Nemes (drums), Psycopath (bass), Kenny Hallman (guitar), Steve Terror (guitar) and Chris Bailey joined forces and created the thrash band Infernal Majesty.
Infernal Majesty's main objective was to write an album of complex and exciting thrash tunes, to unleash onto the ever-evolving thrash market. In order to begin this process, they recorded a 24-track four-song demo at Metal Works studios in Toronto (owned by members of the band Triumph).
With the demo tape completed, copies were sent out through various channels, and a record deal was signed with Roadrunner Records in New York City. The amazing thing about the signing was, Infernal Majesty had never sent a copy of the demo to Roadrunner - a magazine in Europe had sent one to them with a recommendation to sign the band.
In September 1987, the worldwide release of the now cult classic, 'None Shall Defy' was launched. The album included such cuts as "Overlord" which was the code name for the Normandy invasion, "Anthology of Death" about the notorious Jack the Ripper, and "Night of the Living Dead" which was inspired by the march of the zombies scene in the classic horror film of the same name. The title track "None Shall Defy" became the band's first video. They received very promising reviews from leading magazines such as Metal Hammer, Aardschok and Kerrang. Displeased Records lists Infernal Majesty along with Venom, Bathory, Hellhammer, Kreator and Death as one of the main influences on the death/black metal music scene. Fan mail from distant locations such as Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, China and New Zealand demonstrated the magnitude of the expanding thrash market.
In 1988, Rick Nemes and Psycopath left Infernal Majesty and shortly after were replaced by Kevin Harrison (drums) and Bob Quelch (bassist). With the new line-up, Infernal Majesty's next step was to record a 2-song demo for a new album at Wellesley studios in Toronto. The tape 'Nigresent Dissolution' was completed. It remained unheard by most listeners as the tape was not made available to the public until Displeased Records added the two tracks "Into the Unknown" and "Hell on Earth" to the CD release of 'None Shall Defy'. A third, 4-song demo was completed with a local producer. With the help of Brian Taylor (famous for his work with Sacrifice), 'Creation of Chaos' was completed with new vocalist Vince, as Chris Bailey had left the band. 'Creation of Chaos' was sold by mail order and distributed by Cargo Records to listeners around the world. Infernal Majesty went on to play seIect shows with Razor, Kreator, Coroner, Death Angel, etc. Infernal Majesty's cult status was solidified with the masterful cover of their ultimate thrash classic "Night of the Living Dead" by Sweden's Dawn. Other bands such as Christ Denied from Spain, Illdisposed and Goddess Of Desire have recorded or played songs by Infernal Majesty. Imitation is the ultimate form of flattery which proves true with reports of bootlegged CDs, live videos, T-shirts and posters.
With the re-release of 'None Shall Defy' on CD, Infernal Majesty schedule a summer tour in Europe with original vocalist Chris Bailey. In late March of 1997, a sample of new material was recorded and produced by the band and added to a compilation CD. The CD entitled 'Kanada Compilation' was released in limited quanities. Infernal Majesty contributed 2 songs, "Where Is Your God" and "Gone the Way of All Flesh" which are shortened versions of new songs for their upcoming album. With the re-release of 'None Shall Defy' on CD, Infernal Majesty toured Europe with original vocalist Chris Bailey and newly acquired bass player Chay McMullen. The tour, consisting of Malevolent Creation, Infernal Majesty, Vader and Vital Remains, was considered by many as the highlight of the summer. With record interest wide-spread the band returned home to sign a new record deal. January 1998, Infernal Majesty signed with Hypnotic Records who have been signing Canadian bands for some time, already have Voivod, Razor, Anvil and Mundane as part of their roster.
The CD entitled 'Unholier Than Thou' was released on August 15, 1998. A European tour with Cannibal Corpse and Dark Funeral followed in September 1998 and was a great success. April 2000 saw the release of the 'Chaos in Copenhagen' CD showcasing Infernal Majesty live. April 2001 Hypnotic Records along with Big Daddy re-released 'Unholier Than Thou' in the USA; this CD release was remixed and remastered and included a live version of "Night of the Living Dead".
In May 2001 Kris Deboer and Eric Dubreuil became the newest members of Infernal Majesty. 2003 and work had begun on the newest Infernal Majesty CD 'One Who Points to Death', which was recorded in Vancouver B.C.
In early 2004 Infernal Majesty signed with Galy Records for 'One Who Points to Death' which was released on April 6th, 2004. Later, in June 2004, the band signed with the Greek label Black Lotus Records for the European distribution of 'One Who Points to Death'.
In 2015 an official press release and an announcement from the Infernal Majesty Official Facebook Page revealed that for the past few years Chris Bailey had returned to the band and began work on their next opus NO GOD to be released 2016.
Infernäl Mäjesty - House Of War (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)
facebook.com/infernalmajestyofficial/
NEWS: Conceived by Hate to tour Europe
Monday, December 12, 2016
NEWS: Sisters of Suffocation - Phobophobia (Official Music Video)
The Dutch death metal group Sisters of Suffocation have made a new video. In 2016 the band released its first EP called Brutal Queen. Hear the complete EP at the link below, too.
OFFICIAL: S.O.S is an Eindhoven based Death Metal band determined to spread their love for extreme music and cover the world in pink!
In 2014, vocalist Els Prins and guitarist Simone van Straten decided to start playing Death Metal with a twist – that is, with other girls who shared their love of extreme music. Behold the birth of Sisters of Suffocation! They teamed up with drummer Amber de Buijzer and bassist Marjolein van den Nieuwenhuizen, and released their first single 'Boundaries' in 2014. Off to a fast start, they played at Eindhoven Metal Meeting 2014, and continued trashing stages in the Netherlands and Belgium in 2015. In May of that year, Marjolein and the band parted ways, while Puck Wildschut was attracted as the new bassist. 2015 saw more stage action, together with bands such as Prophecy, Rectal Smegma and Malignant Tumor.
S.O.S. Released their first EP 'Brutal Queen' in April 2016, showcasing their love for not only Death Metal, but also Black, Thrash and Progressive Metal, with an Old School edge. They released a video for the titel track 'Brutal Queen' and a lyric video for the song 'Fuck It' followed shortly. They are currently in the midst of many release shows in the Netherlands and Belgium, and will play at multiple summer festivals, such as Antwerp Metal Fest and Stonehenge Festival.
SISTERS OF SUFFOCATION - Phobophobia (Official Music Video)
sistersofsuffocation.bandcamp.com/releases
facebook.com/sistersofsuffocation/
NEWS: Suicidal Tendencies drum cam "War Inside My Head" and "Subliminal"
Below is footage of Suicidal Tendencies drummer Dave Lombardo in action. The crossover veteran act in 2016 released a new album called World Gone Mad.
"Suicidal Tendencies (also known as S.T. or simply Suicidal) are an American crossover thrash band founded in 1980 in Venice, California by vocalist Mike Muir, who is the only remaining original member of the band. The band is often credited (along with D.R.I. and S.O.D.) as one of "the fathers of crossover thrash". To date, Suicidal Tendencies have released twelve studio albums (three of them are composed of re-recorded or previously unreleased material), one EP, four split albums, four compilation albums, and two long-form videos.
Suicidal Tendencies rose to fame with their 1983 self-titled debut album; it spawned the single "Institutionalized", which was one of the first hardcore punk videos to receive substantial airplay on MTV. Suicidal Tendencies' next release was on their own label, Suicidal Records, where they contributed one song, "Look Up...(The Boys Are Back)", on the 1985 split Welcome to Venice. After releasing their second studio album Join the Army (1987), Suicidal Tendencies were signed to Epic Records in 1988, and continued their commercial success with its next three albums, How Will I Laugh Tomorrow When I Can't Even Smile Today (1988), Controlled by Hatred/Feel Like Shit...Déjà Vu (1989) and Lights...Camera...Revolution! (1990); the latter of the two were certified Gold by the RIAA. Their 1992 follow-up album The Art of Rebellion was also very successful, and included three of their biggest hits "Asleep at the Wheel", "Nobody Hears", "I'll Hate You Better".
After releasing two more studio albums (Still Cyco After All These Years and Suicidal for Life), the band broke up and severed ties from Sony and Epic in 1995. However, they reunited a year later and have continued to perform and record since then. After over a decade of work and many lineup changes, Suicidal Tendencies released their eleventh studio album with all-new material, 13, in 2013, followed three years later by World Gone Mad (2016); both albums were well-received by critics, and considered comebacks for Suicidal Tendencies." (Wikipedia)
Dave Lombardo - Suicidal Tendencies - War Inside My Head/Subliminal
NEWS: new Crystal Viper video
Queen Of The Witches will be the title of the new album by Crystal Viper. The album is planned for February 2017. Below you can see the video for a new song.
OFFICIAL: CRYSTAL VIPER is a Polish Heavy Metal band, founded in 2003 by Marta Gabriel. Between 2003 and 2006 CRYSTAL VIPER was a project featuring Marta Gabriel on vocals and various other musicians, with whom she recorded bunch of demo and rehearsal tapes, compilation tracks, and with whom she played several local live shows.
In the summer of 2006 the first official line up got established, and CRYSTAL VIPER turned from a project into a regular band, with: Marta Gabriel as a vocalist and composer, Andy Wave (Lukasz Halczuch) on guitar, Tomek "Golem" Danczak on drums and Tommy Targosz on bass guitar. The same year the band recorded their first official track (cover version of "Flaming Metal Systems" for the MANILLA ROAD tribute album), and inked the deal with the German label Karthago Records. The debut concept album entitled "The Curse Of Crystal Viper" is coming out in early 2007, and is followed by "The Last Axeman" EP (2008), which features new songs in demo versions, alternate versions of previously known songs, and the cover version of the classic VIRGIN STEELE song "Blood And Gasoline", recorded by 3 members of CRYSTAL VIPER and 2 members of VIRGIN STEELE (fans later called this project "CRYSTAL STEELE"). The second studio album, entitled "Metal Nation" (featuring new bass guitarist, Tomasz Woryna, and co-produced by the KING DIAMOND guitarist Andy La Rocque), is released in 2009. Between 2006 and 2009 CRYSTAL VIPER was a four piece band in the studio and a five piece band on stage, featuring different musicians at the position of the live rhythm guitarist, until Marta took over the duties of a rhythm guitarist as well. Since then, CRYSTAL VIPER is a four piece act both in the studio and on stage.
In 2009 CRYSTAL VIPER signs multiple record deal with AFM Records. The third studio album entitled "Legends" (with the lyrics based on old Polish legends and stories) is coming out in 2010, and is followed by "Crimen Excepta" - another concept effort, this time about witches and the holy inquisition - in 2012. Due to occupational obligations Tomasz Woryna is forced to take lesser part in band's activity, and most of the bass guitar parts on "Crimen Excepta" are recorded by Marta Gabriel. As the band doesn't stop the touring, Michal Badocha steps in as the new bass player. In 2013, after several live shows in countries such as: Slovakia, Czech Republic, Poland, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Sweden and Denmark, CRYSTAL VIPER returns to the studio to record their fifth studio album, "Possession". Sadly soon after its premiere, due to health issues relating to the band's front woman and founder, Marta Gabriel, the band is forced to stop its activity, and plays the last few concerts. In 2013, for the first time since 2006, after regular touring in 15 countries, and after releasing 5 studio albums, 7 singles and compilations - the future of CRYSTAL VIPER is placed into question...
In September of 2016 the band is finally breaking the silence: the witch is back! The comeback album entitled "Queen Of The Witches", has been scheduled for the release in the February of 2017 (so 4 years after the last one), and like all the previous ones has been produced by Bart Gabriel (known for his collaboration with acts such as CIRITH UNGOL, MYTHRA and SACRED STEEL), and engineered and mixed by Mariusz Pietka (JACK STARR'S BURNING STARR, LONEWOLF, MORTICIAN). The album's cover artwork has been created by the legendary German artist, Andreas Marschall, known for the iconic artworks which he created for acts such as RUNNING WILD, BLIND GUARDIAN or KREATOR. "Queen Of The Witches" is also the first CRYSTAL VIPER album recorded with the new bass player, Blaze J. Grygiel.
CRYSTAL VIPER - The Witch Is Back (2017) // official clip // AFM Records
facebook.com/crystalviperofficial/
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